Report: Browns to release Montario Hardesty from injured reserve

Posted by Mike Wilkening on September 29, 2013, 11:22 AM EST

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The changes at running back continue for the Cleveland Browns.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Browns are slated to release Montario Hardesty from injured reserve on Monday. Hardesty had knee surgery in August but could be medically cleared on Monday, Rapoport said.

The Browns selected Hardesty in the second round of the 2010 draft, and he seemed likely to a shot at major playing time as a rookie. However, he suffered a torn ACL in Cleveland’s final preseason game, and Peyton Hillis emerged as the featured back. Then, when Hillis couldn’t sustain his progress, the Browns drafted Trent Richardson No. 3 overall in 2012.

Hardesty, 26, has rushed for 537 yards and a touchdown on 153 regular-season carries.